Deputies: Lake Gibson High School teacher arrested on pot charges

Authorities in Polk County arrested a local teacher and four others on drug charges on Friday, after Polk deputies say they spotted the woman diving with a man who had a warrant out for his arrest.

While conducting surveillance at the Lakeland home of Elizabeth Lenhart, 33, deputies say they spotted Lenhart getting into her car with Eugene Hoilman, 21, who had an outstanding burglary warrant.

According to Polk County spokesman Scott Wilder, Lenhart is a science teacher at Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland. Deputies say they were watching the house based on "information of possible drug activity."

Deputies pulled over Lenhart's Honda Civic, arresting Hoilman. While searching the car, deputies say they found a cigar containing marijuana.

Deputies say they had Lenhart's permission to search her car, and when they asked about searching her home, she said, "Go ahead."

However, while in the middle of the search, deputies say Lenhart's live-in boyfriend, Charles Doyle, told them they couldn't continue. They returned to the house later Friday with a warrant.

Deputies say they found marijuana and two pipes in the house.

According to Lenhart's arrest report, she told deputies that she was aware that her boyfriend and Hoilman smoked pot at the house, but denied that she ever smoked any. She also denied being aware of the marijuana in her car, deputies say.

Lenhart was taken to Polk County Jail on possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, maintaining a dwelling for drug use and maintaining a vehicle for drug use, all misdemeanors. Doyle faces the same charges.

In addition to the outstanding burglary charge, Hoilman was charged with possession of Xanax, a narcotic. Another individual deputies say was living at the house, Michael Rosario, 34, was charged with possession of cannabis less than 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deputies also arrested Melanie Ivey, 20, on charges of possession of cannabis less than 20 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, and maintaining a vehicle for drug use. According to Wilder, she was visiting the home at the time of the arrests.